Docs self-prescribe private security

Patna: After private doctors in Muzaffarpur and Motihari hired a private agency for protection at their workplace, their counterparts in Purnea, Chhapra and Darbhanga are thinking of follow suit.

Former Indian Navy officer Sadan Mohan, who runs Catch Security Agency comprising former army officials, confirmed to The Telegraph that he had received requests from doctors of Purnea, Chhapra and Darbhanga to offer security services.

While a group of Motihari-based doctors hired the services of the private agency in April this year, their counterparts in Muzaffarpur sought the services of the agency 11 months ago. Muzaffarpur doctors, who are also associated with the local branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), had conceptualised the idea of engaging armed forces at their private clinics for their protection.

“The request from Purnea-based doctors to hire our services came around 10 days ago, while Darbhanga doctors approached me 20 days ago and their Chhapra counterparts around one-and-a-half months ago,” said Sadan.

“The Darbhanga doctors had approached me with the reference of Sitamarhi doctor. The Purnea and Chhapra doctors got to know about us from the Muzaffarpur IMA doctors. We started our service for doctors first in Muzaffarpur only.”

“We now provide the force with stuff through which they can shield themselves from stone-pelting. We have provided them with wooden barricades and helmets. Earlier, we provided arms to personnel with licence,” added Sadan.

Muzaffarpur IMA member and a psychiatrist with Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital, Sanjay Kumar, the brain behind the force, said: “Forty doctors, including I, started the service in Muzaffarpur. Every month, each doctor pays Rs 10,000 to the agency.”

Courtesy: The Telegraph